ITD installing sensors at Idaho Ports of Entry to find damaged tires

A tire blowout on a semitruck traveling at highway speeds can be dangerous, even deadly. As part of the Idaho Transportation Department’s (ITD) ongoing commitment to safety, the agency will begin installing Tire Anomaly and Classification (TAC) Systems at Ports of Entry (POE) around the state.

Ports of Entry inspect commercial vehicles and oversee their safe operation on Idaho roads. TAC systems are installed in the road and screen semitruck tires for anomalies and damage. Port employees can use the TAC data to notify truck drivers of damaged or underinflated tires before they cause a safety problem.

Idaho’s first TAC system was installed at the Declo POE in February 2023. Over 1,100 tire anomalies have been detected since the system went live.

“Installing TAC systems is a proactive approach to safety,” explained ITD Commercial Vehicle Services Manager Craig Roberts. “The driving public is much safer when commercial vehicles with tire issues are stopped to correct blowouts, flats, or missing tires.”

The TAC installation schedule is as follows:

East Boise POE in both directions, week of May 28.
Lewiston POE in both directions, week of July 15.
Sage POE in both directions, tentatively late July or early August depending on other road construction in the area.
Huetter POE in both directions, tentatively August depending on other road construction in the area.
Inkom POE will have a phased installation. Southbound is to be completed in June. Northbound is to be completed next year during work on the Inkom interchange.

The cost for all the new TAC systems combined is $1.2 million. In 2022, the economic cost of crashes involving commercial motor vehicles in Idaho was over $627 million.

Pictured above: Tires caught by the TAC system.

Work begins to improve ride on SH-54 east of Athol

Work begins today on SH-54 east of Athol on a minor paving improvement project ahead of sealcoat work later this summer.

The Idaho Transportation Department is adding a thin layer of pavement to the right, outside lanes of travel to help smooth the driving surface and improve the ride.

Crews started near Athol and are working in the eastbound, outside lane with this mobile operation. Once they reach Farragut State Park they will then turn around and work back towards Athol on the outside, westbound lane.

During construction one lane in both directions will remain open for travel, with a mandatory speed reduction to 45 mph and intermittent flagging.

This project is expected to be complete by next Wednesday, with contractors scheduled to return mid-July to protect and seal the entire width of the roadway.

ITD Communication wins nine awards from Idaho Press Club

The Idaho Press Club held their “Best of 2023” Awards show on Saturday evening, May 4. The yearly event highlights the best throughout Idaho in both media and public relations, and ITD’s Office of Communication took home some top prizes.

“We love telling the stories within ITD,” said southwest Idaho communication rep Sophia Miraglio, who took home two of the awards. “Our reputation with the media reflects ITD’s commitment to transparency, intentionality, and public service.”

On Saturday night, that commitment and public-service focus paid off, with ITD winning nine awards.

Best Online-Only Video Program – Public Affairs

Angie Heuring, Axel Quartarone, Josie Bisgard – “No Guts, No Glory: ITD Behind the Plow”

Opinion Writing – PR

Reed Hollinshead – Grip Strength
Reed Hollinshead – Silent Ruin

News Releases – PR

Sophia Miraglio – Best 3 of 2023

Feature Writing – PR

Reed Hollinshead – Aunt Di: 55 years of service and going strong!
Sophia Miraglio – ITD Veteran Shawn Denham continues to serve

Annual Report – PR

Angie Heuring, Jared Tuttle, MacKenzie Stone – ITD Annual Report
Ellen Mattila, Jared Tuttle, Lisa McClellan – DMV Annual Report

Public Service Campaign – PR

Ellen Mattila, Duft Watterson – Idaho Ready

Crews pave near Aht’Wy Plaza this month

Crews place concrete panels with a crane at the Aht'Wy Interchange.

Motorists should expect minor traffic changes on U.S. Highway 95 and U.S. Highway 12 at Aht’Wy Plaza near the Clearwater River Casino and Lodge as early as next week as crews prepare to pave the highway and ramps. The ongoing construction will shift in anticipation of paving operations:

May 13 – May 15: Concrete barrier will be removed in the center and moved to the outside of the traveling lanes. Traffic will be pushed to the outside lanes with one lane in each direction.
May 18: Paving will commence and take an estimated five days to complete. Traffic will shift from the inside lanes to outside lanes and vise versa. Please note the temporary entrance on the west side of the RV park will close. During this time, motorists trying to head north or south will leave the plaza at the east entrance.
May 23: Crews will restripe two lanes in both directions. Only one lane will be striped at a time during this switch. Traffic will switch periodically from the fast lane to the slow lane in both directions during the painting.
May 24: Traffic will be restored back to one lane in each direction. The temporary entrance on the west side will re-open in anticipation of Memorial Day Weekend.

The interchange is scheduled for completion in mid-November and will provide safer access to Aht’Wy Plaza by providing uninterrupted movement off and over the highway.

Live traffic impacts like these can be found by visiting 511.idaho.gov. Travelers can also dial 5-1-1 or download the app

Students showcase artistic skills to win Idaho Aviation Art Contest

A dozen Idaho students ages 5 to 18 recently had their artwork selected to win the 2024 Aviation Art Contest through the Idaho Division of Aeronautics.

The contest was held this spring, with submitted artwork depicting the theme “Careers in Aerospace.”

Winners and runners-up were chosen in each of five age-group categories. The first- and second-place winners will receive the following awards/recognition:

First place winners:
- Invitation to ride in an airplane
- Copy of their artwork signed by our Governor
- Congratulatory letter
Second place winners:
- Receive $25 in art supplies
- Congratulatory letter

Winners will also be featured in the next Aviation Art Calendar
Here’s the link to the complete list of winners and their artwork.

Improvements start late May on SH-33 near Victor

Simple map of where a passing and center turn lane will be constructed on SH-33.

Starting in late May the Idaho Transportation Department will widen State Highway 33 near Victor to include a passing lane, center turn lane, and right turn lanes. Construction is anticipated to start on May 20.

Motorists can plan on one lane remaining open throughout construction, which is expected to last until early to mid-September. Fifteen-minute wait times between milepost 151 and 153 may occur as flaggers direct traffic. Cones will be moved out of the way of traffic each night, and all lanes will be open.

A new passing lane for eastbound traffic between milepost 151 and 152 will improve the flow of traffic on SH-33 before motorists begin to traverse Teton Pass. A center turn lane will continue after the passing lane to make it easier for drivers to access area subdivisions and Trail Creek Community Pond. Baseline Road will also be realigned to improve visibility at the intersection of SH-33.

Old cattle underpasses that are no longer used exist in three different areas along SH-33 where this work will be done. This means crews need to remove old cement structures, excavate the ground down eight feet and then rebuild one foot at a time to ensure road integrity. Motorists will note additional time spent on those sections of work, with crews present in those areas for longer and flaggers remaining overnight.

This project is made possible through a grant obtained by Teton County of Wyoming in partnership with ITD, Teton County of Idaho, the town of Jackson, the city of Driggs and others. Information about additional planned improvements through the grant can be found at tetonbuildgrant.com.

Stay up to date on the status of this project and others by visiting 511.idaho.gov, calling 5-1-1 or downloading the app.

New Ohio Gulch traffic signal timing adjusted to reduce congestion

New signal at SH-75 and Ohio Gulch goes live April 11th

The Ohio Gulch traffic signal on State Highway 75 was completed and activated on April 11. Over the past several weeks, the Idaho Transportation Department has gathered data to help refine the timing plan of the signal in both directions.

Feedback provided by the community helped pinpoint specific issues drivers experienced and assisted ITD in adjusting the signal timing plan which we expect to result in a reduced wait times and less congestion on SH-75.

ITD will continue to monitor the signal and make any additional adjustments as needed.

For more information about ITD projects and traffic information check out Idaho 511 either online, by phone, or through the app for smart devices.

Idahoans have one year to get a Star Card or other REAL ID

A woman at a podium. Three men stand behind her.

The federal REAL ID deadline is May 7, 2025 – exactly one year from today. At that time, travelers will need a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license or identification card issued by the state, like an Idaho Star Card, or another acceptable form of identification to board a commercial flight. The Idaho Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) is encouraging all Idahoans to plan to get a Star Card or other REAL ID.

“A year seems like a long time, but May 2025 will be here before we know it. Don’t wait until the last minute! We anticipate DMV offices could get very busy as that deadline starts to get closer,” encouraged DMV Administrator Lisa McClellan. “And if you’ve had a Star Card for a while, check the expiration date and make a plan to renew if needed. If your information is the same when you renew the new card will also be a Star Card.”

Currently, approximately 49% of Idahoans with a driver’s license or ID have their Star Card.

“We are encouraged that nearly half of Idahoans have the Star Card, making them REAL ID-compliant a year ahead of the date when TSA will begin enforcing REAL ID requirements for travelers,” said Transportation Security Administration (TSA) Federal Security Director Andy Coose. “Please remember that TSA currently accepts multiple forms of photo identification from travelers as part of our identity verification process in the security checkpoint. Please take a few minutes today to ensure that you have a plan so that you are in compliance with identification requirements starting May 7, 2025, and beyond.”

“Although other approved documents, like a passport, can be used to board a plane or enter a federal facility after May 7, 2025, the Idaho Star Card is the most convenient, while at the same time providing adequate security for the traveling public. I encourage all Idahoans to apply for their Idaho Star Card soon, before the May 7 deadline approaches next year,” said Idaho Lieutenant Governor Scott Bedke.

To get a Star Card, applicants need one document proving their identity, one with their social security number, and two proving Idaho residency. The Idaho DMV has an online tool called “Add the Star” at itd.idaho.gov/starcard. It generates a custom list of documents to bring to a DMV to get a Star Card. Please note that some county DMV locations require appointments.

May 7, 2025, is the date federal officials will begin checking for compliant cards. The Idaho DMV will continue to offer Star Cards and non-Star Card licenses and ID cards after that date. If someone chooses not to get a Star Card, the standard Idaho driver’s license is still a valid document for all lawful driving purposes.

Work underway on I-90 near Fourth of July Pass

Aerial view of I-90 near Cataldo looking east

CATALDO — Construction started Monday to finish paving and installing new barrier on 6 miles of Interstate 90 east of Fourth of July Pass to Cataldo.
Until work ends in June, the speed limit will be reduced to 55 miles per hour, and traffic will be reduced to a single lane in both directions.

Construction first began in 2022 to resurface the freeway, widen the inside shoulder and install concrete barrier to separate the lanes to prevent head-on collisions.

Travelers are encouraged to be aware of other work zones on I-90 and are advised to check 511.idaho.gov.

Safe walking, biking, and scootering: Idaho receives youth mobility grant

In May, we honor both National Bicycle Safety Month and National Youth Traffic Safety Month. Idaho is among the five states recognized by the Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA) with grants for youth mobility. The Idaho Walk Bike Alliance, in partnership with the Idaho Office of Highway Safety (OHS), has secured a $25,000 grant from the National Road Safety Foundation (NRSF). This grant will support efforts to educate Idaho’s children on safe walking, biking, and scootering.

The Idaho Walk Bike Alliance is a non-profit dedicated to making walking and biking a healthy, safe, and reliable transportation option for Idahoans. The Alliance will use the grant funding to provide several communities with hands-on lessons about Idaho’s roads. This project aims to fill an educational void for middle and high school students, specifically bridging the gap between K-6 Safe Routes to School programming and driver education and training. Students will learn about active transportation modes such as walking, biking, or scooting, which provide equitable access to school for many in the community.

“There is a crucial gap when kids in middle school are biking and walking and have not yet learned the rules of the road. As students become more independent, being able to get where they are going safely is an essential life skill. Our goal is to educate these students so they can get where they are going, safely, and to become drivers that keep people who are walking and cycling safe,” said Idaho Walk Bike Alliance Education Specialist Margaret Havey.

Nationally and in Idaho, traffic crashes are a leading cause of death for young people. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) in 2021*, nationally nearly 1,200 children (age 14 and younger) died in traffic crashes that year, up 8% from 2020. In Idaho, child traffic fatalities increased from 5 in 2020, to 9 in 2021.

The Walk Bike Alliance is looking for schools, community organizations, or recreation programs that are interested in participating in the program. To get involved please contact Margaret Havey at margaret@idahowalkbike.org.

*2021 is the most recent year for complete national data from NHTSA

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About GHSA

The Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA) is a nonprofit association representing the highway safety offices of states, territories, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico. GHSA provides leadership and representation for the states and territories to improve traffic safety, influence national policy, enhance program management and promote best practices. Its members are appointed by their Governors to administer federal and state highway safety funds and implement state highway safety plans. Visit ghsa.org for more information or find us on Facebook and X/Twitter.

About NRSF

The National Road Safety Foundation, Inc., a 501 (c)(3) non-profit organization founded more than 60 years ago, produces traffic safety programs on distracted driving, speed and aggression, impaired driving, drowsy driving, driver proficiency, pedestrian safety and a host of other safety issues. It distributes the programs free of charge to schools, police and traffic safety advocates, community groups and individuals. It also sponsors contests to engage teens in promoting safe driving to their peers and in their communities. For more information or to download free programs, visit nrsf.org.